Medora
Medora, ND
A Wild West-themed town at the gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, with wooden storefronts and a summer musical show. Use it as a base for the park's scenic loop drive and wildlife viewing at dawn.
Medora was founded in 1883 on the Northern Pacific Railway; the French nobleman Marquis de Morès established the town and named it after his wife, Medora von Hoffman. He planned to slaughter cattle here and ship the meat east by rail in refrigerated cars, but gave up the venture in 1886. His home, the Chateau de Morès, is now a North Dakota State Historic Site. Medora is a small town and the gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
From the visitor center in Medora, a paved 36-mile (58 km) loop road winds through the badlands. After landslide damage in 2019 it was closed for several years and has been open again since November 2025 (as of October 2026). Allow at least two hours; RVs can also drive the loop if they take the curves and hills with care. Along the way you will find overlooks, prairie dog towns and, with some luck, bison and wild horses. Fill your tank beforehand, as there is no gas station in the park.
- Nearest town
- Medora, ND
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 46.9142, -103.5254
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Red Trail CampgroundCampsite0 mi from Medora
- Medora City CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Medora · 150 pitchesElectricityShowers
- Medora CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Medora
- Rough Rider State Park CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Medora · 48 pitchesShowers
- Cottonwood CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Medora · 76 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricity
- Buffalo Gap CampgroundCampsite7 mi from MedoraShowers
All campsites in North Dakota · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Medora?
Medora is in Medora, ND, at GPS 46.9142, -103.5254. It is about 7 mi from Painted Canyon.
Can you camp near Medora?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Red Trail Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Medora?
Places worth a stop nearby: Chateau de Mores State Historic Site (1 mi), Painted Canyon Overlook (7 mi), Enchanted Highway (45 mi) and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit (49 mi).
When is the best time to visit Medora?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)